Grundy Reporter

Illinois State Board of Education met Jan. 19.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Via Webinar Only

ROLL CALL Chair of the Board Darren Reisberg called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m.

Chair Reisberg announced that the Board meeting was being audio-cast live over the internet and video recorded. He declared that an in-person meeting is not practical or prudent because of the Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and that made a physical presence for the meeting unfeasible.

Chair Reisberg asked the clerk to call the roll. A quorum was present with eight members attending via webinar. State Superintendent Dr. Carmen I. Ayala was also in attendance.

Members Present:

Darren Reisberg, Chairperson (virtual)

Dr. Donna Leak, Vice Chair (virtual)

Jaime Guzman, Secretary (virtual)

Dr. Christine Benson (virtual)

Roger Eddy (virtual)

Dr. David Lett (virtual)

Susie Morrison (virtual)

Dr. Nike Vieille (virtual)

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Chair of the Board Reisberg reminded those in attendance of the Public Participation Policy and the sign-up procedures for today’s meeting.

Michelle Trager, a parent from District 308 in Kendall County, discussed the residential placement crisis. She discussed a letter that ISBE sent out last week, and she noted her frustration with the lack of results and assistance for students with disabilities. She added that not all families can afford an attorney to go through a hearing, and she is frustrated that only the district gets reimbursed. She believes that parents need to be stakeholders in this conversation.

Maryam Brotine, assistant general counsel for the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB), discussed the residential placement crisis. She noted that the crisis exists due to lack of facilities for these students, and she is excited about the working group and the immediate action through the reimbursement of districts. She believes that an emergency amendment to 23 Illinois Administrative Code Section 226.330 needs to be added.

Sean Casey, a school psychologist from northern Illinois, spoke about early literacy. He noted that the epidemic of illiteracy in Illinois has been a long-running problem, as only 37% of third graders met or exceeded expectations in 2019. He added that 20 years ago the National Reading Panel pointed to the best ways to teach students how to read. He believes that there are clear solutions, but that districts are using ineffective strategies. He stated that his nonprofit organization, the Science of Reading in Illinois, was formed by school psychologists. They work with stakeholders to help improve students’ literacy skills. The group is discussing legislation, specifically the Illinois Right to Read Act, with stakeholders as well.

Danielle Penman, a parent and taxpayer, discussed the mandatory vaccine for school personnel. She noted that there is no law that allows ISBE to create or implement a vaccine without legislative approval. She shared information about the vaccine. She noted that the mandate will negatively impact teacher retention and hiring. She believes that health decisions should be left to health care professionals.

RECOGNITIONS

Chair Reisberg recognized Phil Pritzker, the 2021 Thomas Lay Burroughs Award recipient.

Dr. Benson moved that the State Board of Education hereby approves the resolution for Mr. Pritzker. Mr. Eddy seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote. Mr. Pritzker thanked the Board for the honor.

PRESENTATIONS | STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL PROJECT UPDATE

Ms. Uhe-Edmonds introduced the Student Advisory Council (SAC). She introduced Eric Veal Jr., Araha Uday, Leo Krueger, Serena Thakkar, Lia Rivera, and Ranyia Cox. The SAC informed the Board about the speakers and partners they engaged with this year and noted their 2021-22 events. They discussed their recommendations that relate to ISBE’s Strategic Plan.

Chair Reisberg thanked Ms. Uhe-Edmonds for her leadership and assistance with planning events for SAC.

Dr. Benson asked SAC members why their recommendations and strategies are important to them. Mr. Veal noted that social-emotional learning is essential this year as the pandemic continues. Ms. Uday shared that the pandemic has worsened mental health issues and stated that discipline has also become an issue. Ms. Thakkar added that all students, even students academically thriving, need mental health services.

Dr. Leak asked if there have been any changes in their social studies curriculum. Mr. Veal noted that there were changes at his school. Dr. Leak was interested in the two new classes that are available at Mr. Veal’s school.

Dr. Leak noted that five mental health days are now available and asked how the SAC felt about this addition. Ms. Thakkar noted that many students do not know these days exist, which is a barrier. Ms. Uday shared that many of her classmates do know about mental health days, and they are grateful. Mr. Veal noted that some students feel like those mental days are stigmatized. Chair Reisberg noted that creating a guide that demonstrates how to use those days could be a great project for the SAC.

Chair Reisberg asked if any members are interested in pursuing a career in education. Mr. Krueger noted that although he is not interested in teaching, he believes the teacher shortage is heavily impacted by the pandemic. Ms. Thakkar added that she has only had one teacher of color, so it has always been challenging to see teaching as a career for her; Ms. Uday agreed. Mr. Veal shared that he plans to teach in the future.

Dr. Vieille asked how the council impacted them and if it has changed what they want to study. Ms. Uday shared she is interested in education policy, which was prompted by her participation in the Student Advisory Council. Ms. Thakkar said she is interested in journalism because she wants people to become aware of resources. Mr. Veal noted his mom is a teacher and the Student Advisory Council has shown him the disparities in the state, which has impacted his decision to teach. Mr. Krueger said that he is interested in business but noted the council has improved his public speaking skills. Ms. Rivera shared she is interested in engineering, but she has loved learning about administration and academics. Ms. Cox said she is also interested in business, and the council has helped her communication and problem-solving skills.

Dr. Ayala thanked the committee for its hard work. She noted that she believes the future of Illinois education is in great hands.

DISCUSSION | STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE- FOCUS ON TEACHER SHORTAGE

Dr. Ayala, Chief Education Officer Dr. Matias, Research and Evaluation Officer Dr. Dixon, and Financial Officer Wolfe updated the Board on the Strategic Plan, specifically with a focus on teacher shortage. They shared their objectives and specific strategies, such as EG.E, 1.1, 1.3, 1.5, 2.1.1, 2.2.2, 2.2.3, and 3.3. They shared updates for multilingual and special education unfilled positions and discussed partners they are collaborating with.

Ms. Morrison asked about the assessment literacy webinars and how many districts have participated and what their geographic information is. Dr. Ayala said the team will get that information to her. Ms. Morrison also noted she is interested in the diversity of districts that are participating in the braiding and blending pilot and wants to make sure they are representing the diversity of the state. She asked if ISBE has aggressively communicated the flexibility for use of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds statewide. Dr. Ayala noted that 90% of the ESSER funds went directly to schools and it is a local decision, but she noted that ISBE can continue to let districts know how they can use those funds. Ms. Morrison added she is interested in adults with bachelor’s or master’s degrees who might decide that they would like to be a teacher or a principal in a second career.

Dr. Vieille noted that the team could consider working with higher education programs throughout the country, and Dr. Ayala agreed. Mr. Guzman agreed and noted he is interested in growing the teacher pipeline. He hopes that ISBE can encourage alternative pathways to the profession.

Mr. Eddy asked if there has been any review of existing flexibility granted for individuals to teach that has a deadline of one year. Dr. Ayala noted that ISBE is currently reviewing those items, and she shared that flexibilities were given at the beginning of the pandemic. Mr. Eddy noted that regional superintendents were given some authority to approve emergency applications for non-fully certified individuals in a special program, but he thinks it has a time limit. He also echoed Ms. Morrison’s statement and shared it could be a good idea to do a survey of districts that have increased substitute salaries.

Dr. Leak added that some districts are struggling to find substitutes and have to use private agencies that charge a contractor rate. She noted this problem has worsened during the pandemic. She also shared it is not just teachers but also administrators and superintendents.

Dr. Benson noted that at a National Association of State Boards of Education meeting she shared that the ISBE Strategic Plan is integral in Illinois, and many states were interested.

Chair Reisberg wondered if the 5Essentials Survey could be a tool with specific questions that relate to the ESSER statewide efforts. Dr. Matias noted the team came up with pandemic related questions in the survey and noted that it is something the team can continue to look at. Dr. Ayala said that the survey is about to open, so she is not sure that other questions can be added at this time. Dr. Matias also shared there were seven waivers in the past that afforded flexibility.

Mr. Eddy added that there were teachers who submitted a degree for dual-credit and that window is closing at a time when they cannot finish the coursework. He noted that there is going to be flexibility to extend the deadlines and hopes ISBE pays attention to and supports this flexibility. Dr. Ayala said there are challenges because teachers have less preparation time due to shortages and students who are in and out because of the pandemic.

Ms. Morrison believes that collaborating with IASB is integral at this time. Dr. Ayala noted that this year ISBE is having regular meetings with IASB.

Chair Reisberg noted that the map staff members created reinforced that there are places where the teacher shortage is more prevalent. He wonders if there are pilot opportunities for ISBE to support particular areas with major teacher shortage. difficulties Dr. Ayala said there have been changes in some of the grants to specifically address teacher deserts. Dr. Matias added that rural communities were being left out when considering rural communities in the past, so bonus points were added for rural communities.

Dr. Vieille remembered that in the past ISBE offered coursework that was accessible, and she remembered a reading and bilingual studies course at Northern Illinois University. Dr. Ayala added that she remembers this and added there are scholarships with federal funding to pay for courses for certain certifications. She stated that special education funding is also available, and the team can now look for grants that provide scholarships. Dr. Vieille noted that it is important to make sure that the courses are accessible with different hours available, and Dr. Ayala stated this occurs in some areas.

CLOSED SESSION

Dr. Leak moved that the State Board of Education go into closed session for the following exception items:

A. Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11)

B. Meetings between internal or external auditors and governmental audit committees, finance committees, and their equivalents, when the discussion involves internal control weaknesses, identification of potential fraud risk areas, known or suspected frauds, and fraud interviews conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards of the United States of America. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(29)

They further moved that Board members may invite anyone they wish to be included in this closed session.

Dr. Benson seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote.

The open meeting recessed at 11:30 a.m. to go into closed session at 11:45 a.m. The open meeting reconvened at 1:13 p.m.

CONSENT AGENDA

Dr. Ayala reviewed the items under the Consent Agenda.

For Item 8.B, Chair Reisberg asked if there are certain steps that are going to be taken to shine a light on some of the elements, like the P2 Indicator, disaggregating chronic absenteeism. He asked how team members might continue to move toward the indicators even if they do not have the information yet to activate them. Dr. Ayala confirmed that the team will be continuing this work. ISBE Director of Accountability Rae Clementz noted that there are two parts to the suggestion and the first included a modification of the chronic absenteeism indicator in the system itself; the team plans to model it and then put it out for public comment. She added that the second suggestion was disaggregating the Report Card and noted that is being brought to the Steering Committee.

Dr. Leak asked about the addition of mental health days and if a legislative change needs to be considered. She asked how the state defines chronic absenteeism. Dr. Ayala noted it may be a statutory change and agreed that a clearer definition of chronic absenteeism is needed. Dr. Leak asked if this is something the team can code, and Dr. Ayala stated it is something the team is looking into.

Dr. Vieille moved that the State Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda.

Dr. Benson seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote. The following motions were approved by action taken in the Consent Agenda motion:

Approval of Minutes

*Plenary Minutes: December 15, 2021

The Illinois State Board of Education hereby approves the December 15, 2021, meeting minutes.

Approvals

*Approval of the Accountability 2022 Amendment

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to submit the proposed ESSA amendment to the U.S. Department of Education for its approval.

Rules for Initial Review

*Rules for Initial Review- Part 1 (Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision) The State Board of Education hereby authorizes solicitation of public comment on the proposed rulemaking for:

Part 1 (Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision)

Including publication of the proposed rules in the Illinois Register to elicit public comment.

Rules for Adoption

*Rules for Adoption – Part 1 (Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision) Time Out/Physical Restraint

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to submit the proposed rulemaking for Part 1 (Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision) to JCAR for second notice.

Further, the Board authorizes the State Superintendent of Education to make such technical and non-substantive changes as the State Superintendent may deem necessary in response to suggestions or objections of JCAR.

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of FY23 Invitation for Bid Procurement for five (5) IT Contractors for Special Education Software Applications

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to release and award an Invitation for Bid to the successful offeror to procure the services of five developers to assist in the development and maintenance of existing and future applications as they pertain to the collection and organization of the state’s Special Education data. The initial term of the contract will begin July 1, 2022 and extend through June 30, 2025. There will be one possible two-year renewal contingent upon sufficient appropriation and satisfactory contractor performance in each preceding contract year. The estimated contract total costs, including renewal, will not exceed $4.35 million.

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of FY23 Invitation for Bid Procurement for five (5) IT Contractors for Child Nutrition Software Applications

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to release and award an IFB (Invitation for Bid) to the successful offeror to procure the services of five (5) Developers to assist in the development and maintenance of existing and future applications as they pertain to the collection and organization of the State’s Child Nutrition data. The initial term of the contract that will be awarded to the successful offeror will begin July 1, 2022 and extend through June 30, 2025. There will be one possible two-year renewal contingent upon sufficient appropriation and satisfactory contractor performance in each preceding contract year. The estimated contract total costs, including renewal, will not exceed $4,350,000.

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of FY23 Invitation for Bid Procurement for five (5) IT Contractors for other Agency-based Software Applications

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to release and award an Invitation for Bid to the successful offeror to procure the services of four developers and one data analyst to assist in the development and maintenance of existing and future applications as they pertain to the collection and analysis of critical agency data. The initial term of the contract will begin July 1, 2022 and extend through June 30, 2025. There will be one possible two-year renewal contingent upon sufficient appropriation and satisfactory contractor performance in each preceding contract year. The estimated contract total costs, including renewal, will not exceed $4.3 million.

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of FY23 Invitation for Bid Procurement to identify vendors for the Illinois Virtual Course Catalog

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to release and award an Invitation for Bids for the Illinois Virtual Course Catalog at no cost to the State Board of Education for fiscal years 2023 through 2027.

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five - Year 3

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology in order to deliver programming as part of the Preschool Development Grant Birth-5. The term of the intergovernmental agreement will be from December 31, 2021, through December 30, 2022, and the maximum amount will not exceed $1,829,120.72.

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five - Illinois Board of Higher Education

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to amend the intergovernmental agreement with the Illinois Board of Higher Education in order to deliver programming as part of the Preschool Development Grant Birth-5 Year 3 Budget. The term of the grant will be Dec. 31, 2021, through Dec. 30, 2022; the maximum amount of this IGA will not exceed $4.555 million.

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Preschool Development Grant - Northern Illinois University - Longitudinal Data System

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to amend the current intergovernmental agreement with Northern Illinois University for the Early Childhood Participation Database and Illinois Longitudinal Data System 2.0 Development. This work is part of the Preschool Development Grant Birth to Five – Renewal Year 3. The term of the grant will begin Dec. 31, 2021, and end Dec. 30, 2022. The total amount of the IGA will not exceed $2,565,817.35.

APPROVAL OF SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT IN THE MATTER OF HP V. CPS AND AL.

Mr. Eddy made a motion that the State Board of Education hereby authorize the State Superintendent to execute the Settlement Agreement and related payment forms in H.P. v Board of Education of the City of Chicago et al, case number 18-CV-621, in an amount not to exceed $149,999.00.

Ms. Morrison seconded, and it passed with a roll call vote. Mr. Guzman abstained.

UPCOMING BOARD ACTIONS

Rules for Initial Review – Part 1 (Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision) Comprehensive Sexual Health Education

Dr. Matias and Director of Wellness Cara Wiley presented on this item.

Mr. Eddy asked if this rule is statute, and the answer was yes. Ms. Wiley added it is not mandatory at the local level, and there is parental op-out as well.

Dr. Lett asked if a public hearing is required for local districts to op-out, and Ms. Wiley noted she would have to check. Dr. Lett is interested in the data about which districts follow the rule versus op-out; and Ms. Wiley noted they will have information in the near future.

Mr. Eddy asked if this is a one-time opt-out system, especially if national standards change; Ms. Wiley noted she would share this in a Weekly Board Update.

Chair Reisberg asked if the opt-out is for parents or for schools. Ms. Wiley explained that districts have the decision to provide a sexual health education course. She shared that if they choose to have one it must align with Illinois standards, and then parents can decide to opt out.

Rules for Initial Review – Part 228 (Transitional Bilingual Education)

Dr. Matias and Director of Multilingual Joanne Clyde presented on this item. There were no questions for this item.

Contracts & Grants over $1 Million – Approval of FY23 Intergovernmental Agreement with Regional Office of Education #35 to support Capacity Builder Learning Series for Priority Learning Standards and Curriculum Evaluation Tool

Dr. Matias and Director of Standards and Instruction Dr. Erica Thieman presented on this item.

Dr. Leak asked if the team previously was working with ROE #35, and the answer was yes. Dr. Leak asked if the curriculum evaluation tool is something that all districts will use for all courses. Dr. Thieman noted that for this year the plan is for 25% of districts to use it, and it is often used for English language arts and mathematics. She shared there are teacher-created resources for social studies.

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million -- Approval to award grant to Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP) for the Parent Mentoring Program from federal Coronavirus Urgent Remediation Emergency Funds

Dr. Matias and Director of Family and Community Engagement Sergio Hernandez presented on this item.

Dr. Leak noted for the team to look at the reach of parent mentors and parents and drill it down into more specific numbers that support that dollar amount. Mr. Hernandez noted he can get that information to the Board.

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million -- Approval to release IFB to procure qualified vendor to conduct IL-EMPOWER program evaluation

Dr. Matias and Director of ESSA/IL-EMPOWER Ms. Christine Paxson presented on this item. There were no questions for this item.

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million -- Approval of Illinois Resource Center Professional Development and Technical Assistance Sole Source FY23-24

Dr. Matias and Ms. Clyde presented on this item.

Dr. Leak asked if the program works with Cook County. Ms. Clyde noted this is correct and added that the specifically named counties in the background information are the counties specifically listed in Article 14.C.

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of 21st Century Community Learning Centers – IFB - Professional Development and Technical Assistance

Dr. Matias and Ms. Wiley presented on this item.

There were no questions for this item.

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of 21st Century Community Learning Centers-IFB Monitoring

Dr. Matias and Ms. Wiley presented on this item.

There were no questions for this item.

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of 21st Century Community Learning Centers – Request for Proposals

Dr. Matias and Ms. Wiley presented on this item.

Chair Reisberg asked what mechanism the team is using to promote participation. Ms. Wiley noted that many of the rural areas do not have grant writers, so the team is collaborating with after school alliances and providing training to districts. The team is also working on getting the message out.

Mr. Guzman asked if the team is largely incentivizing those underrepresented through outreach and support and not through a set-aside or formula. Ms. Wiley noted the team provides priority points which can be given to rural schools. Mr. Guzman asked if this is transparent in the Request for Proposals, and the answer was yes.

Chair Reisberg asked if ROEs can play a role in encouraging participation from eligible entities within their regions. Ms. Wiley confirmed this is correct and added that ROEs are also eligible applicants.

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of McKinney Vento Homeless Education – Request for Proposals

Dr. Matias and Ms. Wiley presented on this item.

There were no questions for this item.

Contracts & Grants over $1 Million – Approval of FY23 IGA Procurement for NIU to provide project management and staffing for the Data Warehouse Team for Business Continuity Dr. Matias and Scott Norton, director of Software Solutions, presented on this item.

There were no questions for this item.

Approval of the Spring 2022 Waiver Report

Principal Consultant for Legislative Affairs Barbara Hobrock presented on this item.

Dr. Leak was curious if the school improvement days were impacted by the pandemic. Ms. Hobrock noted that even before the pandemic that full days rather than half days were preferred for school improvement.

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS

Superintendent/Senior Staff Announcements

There were no announcements.

Chair of the Board’s Report

There were no announcements.

Member Reports

There were no announcements.

PUBLIC HEARING FOR PART 6 (MANDATORY VACCINATIONS FOR SCHOOL PERSONNEL) NEW PART

Dr. Lett asked where ISBE is in the process of the upcoming rule pertaining to mandatory vaccinations for school personnel. Dr. Ayala noted that the team is in the public comment period, which ends January 31. She noted that after this period ends, the staff will analyze the results and provide any information to the Board in February.

Chair Reisberg introduced the hearing on ISBE’s proposed rules, 23 Illinois Administrative Code, Part 6, Mandatory Vaccinations for School Personnel. He explained this hearing is being held pursuant to Section 5-40 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act due to the number of requests the agency received for a public hearing on these rules.

Chair Reisberg added that ISBE is not providing a presentation on these rules, but the Board will listen to the public’s comments on the rules.

He reminded the public of the public participation procedures and stated the hearing will last up to three hours. He shared that the comments will be provided to the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. He added that if individuals have prepared written comments, they can be given to Board Services Coordinator Kirsten Parr.

Chair Reisberg introduced two agency representatives: Jeff Aranowski, executive director of Safe and Healthy Climate, and Azita Kakvand, principal consultant of Legislative Affairs.

Danielle Penman, a mother and health care professional, spoke against the proposed rules. She believes that ISBE is overreaching its authority, and that this should be handled by health care professionals. She added there is no data for the long-term effects of the COVID-19 vaccine and asked what data ISBE is using.

Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat, superintendent from Peoria Public Schools, spoke in support of the proposed rules. She noted that all of ISBE’s guidance has kept students and staff safe and added that testing is a cumbersome process.

Carrie Danaher, a teacher in Chicago, spoke against the proposed rules. She believes that ISBE does not have the authority to mandate this and would prefer that ISBE focuses on education. She added that the vaccine is still in its experimental period.

Daryl Morrison, director of education policy and agency relations for the Illinois Education Association (IEA), spoke in support of the proposed rules on behalf of the 135,000 association members. He noted that students are required to be at school, and the association would like all students to be healthy. He shared that the vaccine is proven to prevent the spread and added that weekly testing is an alternative. He noted that the IEA continues to support the Executive Order.

Andrew Jansen, a parent, spoke against the proposed rules. He shared the number of deaths from the vaccine. He noted that the vaccine does not stop the spread and it does not keep people from getting infected. He believes that people have the right to make their own decisions.

Alison Brechtel, a teacher at Herrick Middle School in Downers Grove, spoke against the proposed rules. She noted that she loves her job as a teacher but stated this year has been taxing. She shared that she is not allowed to get the vaccine because of medical conditions, and she feels isolated and not supported. She added that her vaccinated co-workers still got COVID-19. She believes that ISBE does not have the authority to mandate vaccinations.

Kristina Neville, superintendent/director of Tazewell-Mason Counties Special Education Association, spoke against the proposed rules. She believes that ISBE does not have the power to require vaccines and believes it is unconstitutional. She noted that if the rules are passed, legal action will be enacted against ISBE.

Lynne Johnson, an elementary school teacher in Naperville School District 203, spoke against the proposed rules. She thanked the Board members for their service. She noted that her district has not had large issues regarding COVID-19, and it tests weekly. She feels safe and notes she gets tested when she feels sick and believes that ISBE’s proposed rule is unnecessary.

Jennifer Muccianti, a public-school teacher from Palatine, spoke against the proposed rules. She noted that a vaccine does not provide immunity and this rule is not a part of her teacher’s contract. She does not want ISBE to mandate vaccines or require weekly testing.

Jackie Ramsey, an educator from Rochelle, spoke against the proposed rules. She believes that only the Illinois Department of Public Health can mandate this decision, and it is not within the power of ISBE or school boards to mandate. She stated that ISBE deals with school operations, not health.

Courtney Peridore, a parent and resident of Illinois, spoke against the proposed rules. She believes that ISBE does not have the authority to force school personnel to get vaccinated. She added that there is already a teacher shortage problem, especially in the special education field, and this rule will only make it worse.

Shonna Jugan, a parent who lives in Springfield, spoke against the proposed rules. She noted that the vaccine is not going to stop the spread, and she shared that the Board agrees with the Governor’s decisions, but she personally does not agree. She believes that the state is going to lose students in the public-school system if this is passed.

Alicia Haggin, a parent and lifelong citizen of Illinois, spoke against the proposed rules. She stated that she is against testing. She noted that she knows many people who have COVID 19, and the vaccine is not stopping the sickness. She also added that the vaccine is not ideal for pregnant women who are often teachers.

Megan Cunningham, a teacher at Prager Elementary School in Granite City, spoke against the proposed rules. She explained that she got vaccinated and had a bad reaction, so she is unable to get a booster. She stated that she does not want to choose between her job and getting a vaccine, and she added that it is difficult to find COVID-19 tests. She believes this rule will exclude good teachers.

Theodore Shew, a parent, spoke against the proposed rules. He feels there is no authority to enforce the rules and that they are wrong ethically and morally. He explained that components of vaccine are unknown and there are still many questions.

Kristen Koppers, a parent and educator, spoke against the proposed rules. She finds it to be a form of discrimination and bullying, and she also believes that forcing educators to wear a mask is wrong. She stated that many educators will walk away from teaching if ISBE requires vaccinations and added that the state already has a teacher shortage.

Jessie Liefer spoke against the proposed rules. She asked why ISBE is mandating a vaccine that does not stop the spread of the virus. She believes that this will continue to spread the divides between the vaccinated and the unvaccinated communities and she is frustrated that children are paying the price.

Cynthia Lund, legislative director for the Illinois Federation of Teachers, spoke in favor of the proposed rules on behalf of the organizations 103,000 members. She believes that educators have a responsibility to get vaccinated if they are able to and noted that vaccines are critical component in ending the pandemic.

INFORMATION ITEMS

ISBE Fiscal & Administrative Monthly Reports Freedom of Information Act Monthly Report

MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Guzman moved that the State Board of Education adjourn the Jan. 19 Board meeting.

Ms. Morrison seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote. The meeting adjourned at 3:06 p.m.

https://www.isbe.net/Documents_Board_Meetings/061922-Agenda-Minutes.pdf